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Draft Profile: Tristan Thompson

The Raptors have the No. 5 pick in the draft, and Thompson said it would a “dream to play for his hometown team.”

“I think it (would) be a national headline, especially with Toronto the only NBA team in Canada and having a hometown kid come back,” Thompson said of going to the Raptors. “It’s almost like the Derrick Rose effect (of the Chicago native going to the Bulls) maybe times two.”

Thompson averaged 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.39 blocks as a freshman last season with Texas.

While he still has some rough edges, Thompson’s athleticism and upside has scouts salivating.

“He’s one of the most athletic guys in this draft,” said forward Jordan Hamilton, Thompson’s teammate at Texas who also is expected to be a first-round pick.

“Once he’s able to really work on his jump shot, he’ll be a lot better. He’s a terrific talent, and he can play defense on guys and block shots.”

Thompson has been working on his jumper with former NBA player and coach John Lucas in Houston, shooting about a thousand shots a day. The workouts also include Cory Joseph, another Canadian who has known Thompson since the two were both 10 and who also was Thompson’s teammate at Findlay Prep.

If Thompson can hit some shots in his pre-draft workout with Toronto, that certainly would help his chances of being taken by his hometown team. Going No. 5 to the Raptors would likely be the highest possible selection for Thompson.